Mar 25, 2026
3 min read
The French star will join the Lions in the summer as a designated player from Atlético de Madrid
ORLANDO, Fla. (March 24, 2026) - Orlando City SC announced today that it has signed world soccer icon and 2018 FIFA World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann from Atlético de Madrid of Spain's LaLiga.The French striker has signed a contract with the club that starts in July 2026 and extends to the 2027-28 season, with an option for 2028-29.Griezmann will join the Lions as a Designated Player when Major League Soccer's second transfer window opens in July, pending medical clearance and obtaining an International Transfer Certificate and P-1 visa.
Orlando City SC Owner and President Mark Wolff said: "Bringing Antoine to Orlando is an important moment not only for our club, but for our city, our supporters and Major League Soccer. He is one of the most gifted, successful and influential players of his generation, and his decision to choose Orlando City reflects the mission and culture of building our club. Every year a championship-caliber roster, and a world-class player like AntoineThe addition reinforces that commitment and our belief in what the club can achieve."
"Antoine is a complete footballer - creative, intelligent, experienced - and he is a sure winner on the biggest stages of the game," said Ricardo Moreira, general manager and sporting director of Orlando City."In addition to his talent, he brings leadership, relentless drive and a championship attitude that will lift everyone around him. This is a signature statement for our club and our ownership group, and we are pleased to welcome Antoine and his family to Orlando".
The 35-year-old Griezmann, who scored 298 goals and provided 132 assists in 792 games with Atletico de Madrid, FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad, has joined Orlando City.2020-21 Copa del Rey with FC Barcelona;and the 2009-10 La Liga trophy with Real Sociedad.Griezmann enjoyed an impressive spell with Atlético de Madrid, especially when he became the club's top scorer with 211 goals in all competitions.This season, Griezmann has registered 13 goals and four assists in all competitions.
Internationally, Griezmann was a central figure in the French national team, which led Les Bleus to the 2018 World Cup and 2022 World Cup runners-up, as well as the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League.In the history of the French national team - and 38 assists in 137 games.
"I am very excited to start this next chapter of my career with Orlando City," Griezmann said."From my first conversation with the club, I felt a strong ambition and a clear vision for the future, and that really spoke to me. I'm looking forward to making Orlando my new home, meeting the supporters, feeling the energy at the Inter&Co Stadium and giving everything I have to help the team achieve great things."
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Griezmann has also achieved numerous individual honors throughout his career, including being named LaLiga Player of the Year (season 2015-16), winning the Golden Eleven (season 2014-15) and Bronze Eleven (season 2016-17) and the third Ballon d'Or in LaLiga and has been selected in 206, 3 times in the past 201, 30.Won the best player award of La Liga 8 times.His continental awards include two selections in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season (2015-16 and 2016-17), inclusion in the UEFA Europa League Team of the Season (2017-18 season) and UEFA Europa League Player of the Season recognition (2017-18 season).
With France, Griezmann won the Bronze Ball and Silver Boot at the 2018 World Cup, as well as being named Man of the Match in the final.He also finished as top scorer in each of the last two World Cup editions.The native of Macon, France was named Player of the Tournament at UEFA Euro 2016, where he also received the Golden Boot and was named to the Team of the Tournament.Additional accolades include being named to the UEFA Team of the Year in 2016 and the IFFHS Men's World Team in 2018, being named French Player of the Year in 2016 and winning the UNFP Award for Best French Player to Play Abroad in both 2016 and 2024.
Orlando City will return home on April 18 to take on Western Conference rivals the Houston Dynamo after a two-game road trip.Season ticket plans are still available, as well as new four-match packages that include one match before and three matches after the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a welcome back match against Nashville on July 25.
DEAL: Orlando City SC has signed striker Antoine Griezmann from La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid as a Designated Player on a contract from July 2026 to 2027-28, with an option for 2028-29, pending his ITC and P-1 visa.
Antoine Griezmann (AHN-twahn GREEZ-mahn)
Born: March 21, 1991, in Macon, France
Hometown: Macon, France
